Novena for the Month of the Holy Name of Jesus

Adoration of the Magi--a beautiful image!

Holy Mother Church dedicates the month of January to the Holy Name of Jesus. Through this devotion the Church reminds us of the power of Christ's Name and the reverence with which it should be spoken. In Sacred Scriptures we read “That in the Name of Jesus every knee should bend, in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth.” (Phil 2:10). Traditionally Catholics, upon hearing Jesus' Name, briefly bow their head. It is also tradition for a Catholic, hearing Jesus' Name used irreverently, to make the Sign of the Cross, repeating out of respect:

 Sit nomen Domini benedictum

 (Blessed be the Name of the Lord).

It is through this most Sacred Name that the Church administers her sacraments, offers her prayers, casts out evil spirits, and gives blessings. We, therefore, would do well to imitate her. As Scripture tells us, it is in His Name that we should place our faith (1 John 3:23), do our works (Col 3:17), and say our prayers (John 16:23-24).

 It is quite simple to honor the sweet Name of Jesus through prayer just as numerous saints did. As Fr. O'Sullivan writes in The Wonders of the Holy Name, an extremely powerful, but very short prayer is simply the name of Jesus said with devotion and reverence. This prayer is an act of perfect love that fills the soul with joy, peace, and strength. In Scripture St. Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing. What easier way to accomplish this than to lovingly repeat the Sacred name of Jesus, not just once, but repeatedly throughout our day!

Throughout the month of January, may we bring the devotion of the Holy Name of our Lord into our new year. Let us strive to honor Jesus through prayer, sacrifices, and acts of love done for Him.  This year the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated on January 2.  This day, then, would be a most fitting day to begin the following prayer:  the Novena in Honor of the Holy Name of Jesus, which can be recited for nine days or daily throughout the month of January.

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Novena in Honor of the Holy Name of Jesus

O Merciful Jesus, Who didst in Thy early infancy commence Thy office of Savior by shedding Thy Precious Blood, and assuming for us that Name which is above all names; we thank Thee for such early proofs of Thine inf God bless!
 inite love. We venerate Thy sacred Name, in union with the profound respect of the Angel who first announced it to the earth, and unite our affections to the sentiments of tender devotion which the adorable name of Jesus has in all ages enkindled in the hearts of Thy Saints. 

Animated with a firm faith in Thy unerring word, and penetrated with confidence in Thy mercy, we now most humbly remind Thee of the promise Thou hast made, that where two or three should assemble in Thy Name, Thou Thyself wouldst be in the midst of them. Come, then, into the midst of us, most amiable Jesus, for it is in Thy sacred Name we are here assembled; come into our hearts, that we may be governed by Thy holy spirit; mercifully grant us, through that adorable Name, which is the joy of Heaven, the terror of Hell, the consolation of the afflicted, and the solid ground of our unlimited confidence, all the petitions we make in this novena. 

Oh! blessed Mother of our Redeemer! Who didst participate so sensibly in the sufferings of thy dear Son when He shed His Sacred Blood and assumed for us the Name of Jesus, obtain for us, through that adorable Name, the favors we petition in this novena.

Beg also, that the most ardent love may imprint on our hearts that sacred Name, that it may be always in our minds and frequently on our lips; that it may be our defense and our refuge in the temptations and trials of life, and our consolation and support in the hour of death. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+